Cornwall Manhunt Ends in Arrest of Elvis Impersonator

By Staff Reporter

June 28, 2014 10:22 BST

Devon and Cornwall Police

Police in Cornwall have arrested an Elvis impersonator on suspicion of firearms offences.

Sixty-year-old Derrel Weaver, a farmer from Widegate in Looe, Cornwall, had been sought by police since armed officers were called to attend a domestic incident at Weaver's home, Higher Widlake Farm in Widegates, on Thursday night.

In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said a 60-year-old man had been arrested on land in Widegates shortly before 21:30 BST on Friday and taken to Launceston police station. Two firearms were recovered nearby, the force said. A man has been taken to hospital for a medical assessment, the force added, but this is thought to be a precaution only. Police are not looking for anybody else in connection with the incident.

This week dozens of officers were involved in an armed manhunt for Weaver. Police had warned people not to approach the Elvis impersonator and had closed the nearby Trenode Church of England Primary School as a precaution.

There was a high police presence in the Widegates and wider Looe area throughout Friday, including firearms officers and trained local officers. Officers said it was unclear whether Weaver was armed, though he was a licensed firearms owner.

Weaver describes himself as a tree surgeon and a "rock and roll singer" on a social media profile.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Bickley said: "We would like to thank the public for its support and assistance with this matter. We would particularly like to praise the local community in Widegates for its patience and calm in the face of a large police presence throughout the day. We are thankful that this matter has now been brought to a safe conclusion."